Amis subito: Assessment, measurement, intervention and studies for the prevention of suicidal behaviour in individuals, inclined to gamble excessively

Abstract

Background and aim:

Actually, the suicidal risk in people with gambling problems is insufficiently evaluated; this risk is all the more hard to specify within a population which underreports gambling behaviour and associated co-morbidities. Estimations of suicidal behaviour vary between studies, suicide attempts were observed in 4% to 40% of gamblers studied. Suicidal thoughts were reported for 25% to 92% of people with gambling problems. 64% of gamblers that committed suicide did neither inform family or friends nor health professionals about their suicidal intents. In the context of a pilot study, we wish to study suicidal behaviour in people with gambling problems.

Method:

The goal of the study consists in the early identification of gambling problems associated with suicidal behaviour. A short intervention, specifically targeted towards the prevention of suicide will be compared with the current treatment for gambling problems. Gambling and suicidal behaviour will be monitored over 6 meetings during 12 months.

Results and discussion

On the basis of this study, we wish to develop a blended E-Learning tool for professionals in psychiatry and primary health care that help to detect and treat people with gambling and suicidal behaviour.